However, Frenchman Romain Barras, 165 points off the lead in sixth, typically performs better on the second day of the 10-event discipline and will be confident of climbing into the medal places.
In the men's triple jump, Barras's compatriot Teddy Tamgho will be hoping to match or better his superb effort of 17.98 metres at a Diamond League meeting in June to defeat his main rival in Barcelona, British world champion Phillips Idowu.
The women's javelin title will also be decided Thursday and the competition is a mouthwatering prospect, with Czech Barbora Spotakova -- the Olympic champion and world record holder -- leading the field.
Russia's Mariya Abakumova has the longest throw in the world this year at 68.89 metres, while Christina Obergfoell of Germany and Slovenian Martina Ratej are also strong contenders.
(Reporting by Iain Rogers, editing by Greg Stutchbury)
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